What cars are getting rid of CarPlay?

[DiEllie]

General Motors (GM) is the only major automaker currently phasing out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This decision, announced in 2023, applies first to its new electric vehicles (EVs) and will extend to all new GM gasoline models by the 2026 model year. The move aims to reclaim control over in-car data and user experience through a native Google Built-In infotainment system, despite potential customer pushback over losing a familiar interface.

The shift is driven by three core business motivations: data ownership, integrated user experience, and future revenue. Automakers view in-vehicle data on driving habits, navigation history, and media consumption as highly valuable. By using a native system, GM retains this data rather than letting it flow through Apple or Google. Furthermore, a deeply integrated system can offer smoother features for EVs, like routing that automatically accounts for real-time battery levels and charger availability. Most significantly, it opens a direct path for GM to offer and bill for subscription services—such as enhanced connectivity, remote features, or advanced driver aids—without sharing revenue with tech giants.

Which specific GM models are affected? The phase-out began with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV and will continue across GM's portfolio. Below is a summary of known affected and upcoming models based on GM's announcements and industry reports from sources like The Verge and Reuters.

Vehicle Brand	Model (Examples)	Status / Timeline
Chevrolet	Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Silverado EV	Launched or launching without CarPlay/Android Auto.
Cadillac	Lyriq, upcoming Celestiq and other EVs	New EVs will feature native Google system only.
GMC	Sierra EV, Hummer EV	No CarPlay/Android Auto support.
Buick	New EV models (e.g., Electra)	Will follow the same native system strategy.

It's crucial to distinguish this from the broader market. Other major automakers like Ford, Honda, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW continue to offer CarPlay and Android Auto, often with plans to integrate the next-generation Apple CarPlay experience. Startups like Rivian and legacy EV leader Tesla have always relied on their own proprietary systems, so they are not "removing" a feature they never offered.

Consumer reaction remains a critical challenge. Market feedback indicates a significant portion of buyers prioritize smartphone mirroring for its seamless access to messages, maps, and music libraries. GM's success hinges on whether its Google-based system—which includes built-in Google Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store—can match or exceed the convenience and familiarity of CarPlay. The company's internal data suggests many users of its current Google Built-In systems adapt quickly, but the transition risks alienating brand-loyal customers who are deeply invested in the Apple or Android ecosystems.

[McAsher]

As someone who just leased a Chevrolet Blazer EV, I was really worried about losing CarPlay. The dealer walked me through the built-in Google system, and I’ve been surprised. Yes, I miss the exact iPhone layout on my dashboard. But getting directions, playing music, and sending messages works fine through Google Assistant and Maps. The big plus? The navigation now talks directly to my car’s battery computer. On a recent trip, it automatically rerouted me to a charger and pre-conditioned the battery for fast charging, which CarPlay could never do. It’s different, and it took a week to get used to, but it’s not the deal-breaker I thought it would be.

[OHazel]

Our decision to develop a native infotainment experience with Google was not made lightly. We analyzed years of customer interaction data and saw an opportunity to create something more cohesive and responsive than a mirrored smartphone screen. The native system allows for deeper vehicle integration—imagine your navigation proactively adjusting your route based on real-time battery state-of-charge or your climate settings syncing with your calendar. This is about building the car as a holistic digital platform, not just a display for your phone. We understand the attachment to CarPlay, and our focus is on ensuring the native system delivers superior reliability, faster response times, and unique features that justify the transition for our customers.

[Darin]

GM’s strategy is a high-stakes bet on the future software-defined car. They’re trading a popular, off-the-shelf feature for control. Control over the data stream from drivers, which is key for developing autonomous features and personalized services. Control over the digital revenue, moving toward a model where features like super cruise or enhanced entertainment are subscription-based. The risk is customer backlash. If their Google system is buggy or lacks the app ecosystem people want, it could hurt sales. For now, they’re an outlier. Every other traditional automaker is keeping CarPlay, watching GM’s experiment closely to see if the potential profits from subscriptions outweigh the potential loss of buyers.

[VanCamilla]

If you’re in the market for a new GM vehicle soon, here’s what you need to do. First, check the model year. For 2024 and later EVs like the Blazer EV or Cadillac Lyriq, CarPlay and Android Auto are not available. For gasoline models, the change is coming for the 2026 model year. Before you buy, insist on a thorough test drive. Spend 30 minutes using only the built-in Google system to navigate, play music, and make calls. See if you can live with it daily. Ask the dealer about connectivity packages—some services may require a paid subscription after an initial trial period. Finally, consider your phone ecosystem. If you are deeply tied to Apple Music, Apple Maps, or specific iOS-only apps, the loss of CarPlay will be more disruptive. Your choice may come down to how much you value the specific vehicle versus the smartphone interface you’re used to.